An outrageous problem needs an outrageous solution

Every day 34 people are shot and killed in South Africa. Sadly, often the victims of this gun violence are children – simply playing in the wrong place at the wrong time. Research shows that children are disproportionately affected by stray bullets fired into the air or at missed targets. Over a 20-year period, nearly half of the children under 12 admitted to a Cape Town’s Children’s hospital were victims of crossfire.   When gun violence seems out of control, how can we protect kids while they play?

Bullet Proof Park is the only play area fully encased in bulletproof glass offering all the fun of a regular play park with slides and monkey bars, but with added benefit of protecting kids inside from any stray bullets.

Designed by experts, the park also includes state of the art preventative measures like secure entrances and panic buttons, giving parents and caregivers the extra peace of mind that every effort has been made keep the country’s gun problem from entering the play area.

A SPACE TO PLAY WITHOUT THE FEAR OF BEING SHOT

Access Controlled

Keep track and monitor the comings and goings of the park to ensure the safety of children inside.

24-hour Monitoring

Should anything occur, the park is fully monitored with the ability to share any footage with law enforcement.

Plenty Panic Buttons

Panic buttons throughout the park give children the chance to alert security should a shooting happen.

Fully Enclosed Play Area

Level 8 bullet proof glass fully encases the park guaranteeing that children inside will be completely safe from any bullets, stray or otherwise.

PROTECTING LITTLE BODIES FROM BULLETS

And for the moments when kids aren’t in the park, there’s a range of Bullet Proof vests made especially for little bodies.

Children's Orange Bulletproof Vest
Children's Pink Bulletproof Vest
Sakienah Daniels

Families are being torn apart by this gun violence and the easy availability of guns.

On 28th January 2019 around 19h00 multiples shots were fired in my area and I was asked to go to the front where the shooting was occurring. An 11-year-old was standing in the area where the shooting was happening between two rival gangs. I ran to pull him out of danger, for his safety. They then turned the gun onto me, I saw it and tried to get shelter. I didn’t know that I was shot at the time. I fell to the ground and stumbled against the wall of another house, about 200 m from my own. When I stumbled, I saw black and I then heard someone shout, Sakienah has been shot. I was shot on the left-hand side of my head – the doctors removed a fragment of the bullet from my head.

SAKIENAH DANIELS

It is insane to think that kids have to play in a bullet proof park.

Kids are the future of our country and they need to have the security and luxury to enjoy life outdoors without worrying about being gunned down in the street just for being an innocent by stander. It is insane to think that kids have to play in a bullet proof park, for their own wellbeing and safety. It gives you the impression of being in prison where you can’t play and enjoy yourself with freedom.

BENNI MCCARTHY

Benni McCarthy
Youngsta CPT

If this is where we are, we need to look inward.

When I first heard the idea I was a bit shocked. I can’t believe this is where we are as a society, this is what we have to do to keep kids safe.

YOUNGSTA CPT

WHO IS GUN FREE SOUTH AFRICA?

Gun Free SA is an NGO working to reduce gun violence in South Africa through public policy advocacy, education, awareness and community mobilisation.

For over 25 years Gun Free has been working to reduce and prevent gun violence through:

Lobbying & Advocacy

Working to strengthen gun control policy, programming and enforcement through lobbying and advocacy.

Media Outreach

Working with the media to educate and inform on the risks of gun ownership and how to use the law to save a life.

Community Safety

Engaging with communities to support youth and work towards safer communities with gun free zones.

Visit the donations page to support the work of Gun Free and help contribute to a safer South Africa by funding the effort to reduce and prevent gun violence across the country.